Let Her Go – Guitar Chords, Strumming Pattern

Let Her Go – Guitar Chords, Strumming Pattern

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Song Details

  • Song Name: Let Her Go
  • Artist: Passenger (Mike Rosenberg)
  • Album: All the Little Lights (2012)
  • Genre: Indie Folk / Acoustic
  • Tempo: ~75 BPM
  • Time Signature: 4/4
  • Original Key: G Major
  • Guitar Difficulty Level: Easy–Intermediate

Introduction

Let Her Go is one of those timeless acoustic ballads that speaks straight to the soul. Released in 2012 by British singer-songwriter Passenger, this emotionally raw track gained massive global recognition for its haunting melody and brutally honest lyrics about love, loss, and acceptance.

If you’re a guitarist looking for a song that is both simple to learn and deeply moving to play, Let Her Go is a perfect choice. With its gentle fingerpicking intro and classic folk-inspired chord progression in G Major, this track works beautifully for solo performers and heartfelt jam sessions alike.

Whether you’re serenading someone, learning to express dynamics on your instrument, or simply want to connect with your emotions through music, this step-by-step guitar guide will help you do it all.

Original Key

G Major

Chords Used (No Capo)

  • G
  • D
  • Em
  • C
  • Bm

These chords appear throughout the song and are beginner-accessible.

Chords Used (Capo Version – Optional)

Capo on 7th fret – Matches the original studio fingerpicking version.

  • G → C
  • D → G
  • Em → Am
  • C → F
  • Bm → Em

This version is great for easier finger positioning, especially for beginner players.

Strumming Patterns

Beginner Pattern:

D D U U D U
Steady and ideal for strumming the chorus sections.

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Advanced Pattern (For Verses):

Use a fingerpicking arpeggio or:
D D D U D U with muted plucks for dynamics.

Plucking Pattern (Arpeggio Method)

The original version uses fingerpicking. Try this basic arpeggio method:

  • Pluck the bass note of the chord (E/A/D string)
  • Then pluck the G, B, and high E strings in sequence (G → B → E)
  • Repeat smoothly to mimic the original vibe

📌 Tip: Anchor your thumb on the bass strings and use index/middle/ring fingers for the upper strings. Slow practice helps build precision.

Lyrics with Chords

📆 Let Her Go – Full Lyrics with Chords (Key: G Major)

[G] Well you only need the light when it's [D] burning low  
[Em] Only miss the sun when it [C] starts to snow  
[G] Only know you love her when you [D] let her go  
[Em] Only know you've been high when you're [C] feeling low  
[G] Only hate the road when you're [D] missing home  
[Em] Only know you love her when you [C] let her go  
[G] And you let her go

[G] Staring at the bottom of your [D] glass  
[Em] Hoping one day you'll make a [C] dream last  
[G] But dreams come slow and they [D] go so fast  
[Em] You see her when you close your [C] eyes  
[G] Maybe one day you'll understand [D] why  
[Em] Everything you touch surely [C] dies

[G] But you only need the light when it's [D] burning low  
[Em] Only miss the sun when it [C] starts to snow  
[G] Only know you love her when you [D] let her go  
[Em] Only know you've been high when you're [C] feeling low  
[G] Only hate the road when you're [D] missing home  
[Em] Only know you love her when you [C] let her go

[G] Staring at the ceiling in the [D] dark  
[Em] Same old empty feeling in your [C] heart  
[G] 'Cause love comes slow and it [D] goes so fast  
[Em] Well you see her when you fall a [C] sleep  
[G] But never to touch and never to [D] keep  
[Em] 'Cause you loved her too much and you [C] dive too deep

[G] Well you only need the light when it's [D] burning low  
[Em] Only miss the sun when it [C] starts to snow  
[G] Only know you love her when you [D] let her go  
[Em] Only know you've been high when you're [C] feeling low  
[G] Only hate the road when you're [D] missing home  
[Em] Only know you love her when you [C] let her go  
[G] And you let her go

[G] Oh oh oh [D] no  
[Em] And you let her go [C]  
[G] Oh oh oh [D] no  
[Em] Well you let her go [C]

[G] 'Cause you only need the light when it's [D] burning low  
[Em] Only miss the sun when it [C] starts to snow  
[G] Only know you love her when you [D] let her go  
[Em] Only know you've been high when you're [C] feeling low  
[G] Only hate the road when you're [D] missing home  
[Em] Only know you love her when you [C] let her go

FAQs

  1. What key is “Let Her Go” originally in?
    It’s in G Major and uses a capo on the 7th fret in studio versions.
  2. Can beginners play this song?
    Absolutely. With basic open chords and an easy strumming or fingerpicking pattern, it’s beginner-friendly.
  3. Is a capo necessary?
    No, but placing a capo on the 7th fret will closely match the original version.
  4. What’s the best technique: strumming or picking?
    Fingerpicking suits this song best, especially for the intro and verses.
  5. How can I make the chorus more dynamic?
    Strum more loudly with full chords, then drop to picking for the verses.
  6. How long will it take to learn this song?
    With regular practice, beginners can learn the full song within a week.
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External Resources

Author’s Note

This was the first song I played live at an open mic night. I remember the shaky fingers, the crowd going silent, and how the chorus felt like a wave washing over the room. Let Her Go isn’t just a song—it’s a feeling. It’s about regret, acceptance, and healing. Play it gently. Let the pauses breathe. Let your soul speak through the strings.

Outro / Signature Line

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